Life is racing by and so far I have neglected to get into a regular exercise routine. You know, the one that's really important to improving my chances of never getting breast cancer again. I confess, I have got a little lazy. Plus, exercise and I have never really been best buddies. But particularly following my post about how housework won't keep you fit I really should have gotten my arse in gear by now. And yesterday morning my dear husband called me on this. He basically said "when are you going to start exercising?", which was hard to hear but he has been worrying about it and he is quite right. When am I and why aren't I??
I think the reason is fairly straightforward, I haven't found any form of exercise I really enjoy, AND I am scared of it. I am scared of that feeling, out of breath, puffing and panting, face red as a beetroot, burning in your air ways. I told him I have had enough discomfort this year without adding to it!!! Pathetic eh? I am good at thinking up excuses.
I do really want to get fit and make it part of my life, but I am floundering at how to do this. I go to my weekly yoga class, which my husband scoffs at, but I believe it has helped me. My upper body strength and muscle tone is improving week by week and I do get muscle aches and pains from being stretched - literally!
But yes he is right - yoga will not get my heart pumping and make me sweat, thereby giving my body the overall workout it needs to get truly fighting fit.
So, here we go. From this day onwards, I WILL EXERCISE 5 TIMES PER WEEK. Exercise in my book is doing 30 mins or more of cardio work, something that gets me out of breath and sweating, apart from the 1 yoga session. So 4 sessions of cardio work and 1 yoga EVERY WEEK. Some may think I am setting my sights a little high, but I've got to devote myself 100% to this, otherwise I will just put it further down the list of priorities and before I know it I have only exercised once in a week. My exercise of choice will be running (which I will build up gradually by walking and running in bursts) or cycling when its dry enough, or doing the Wii Just Dance on sweat mode if its chucking it down or snowing. I've even made myself a wall chart!
So today my first day, I've started well, home from the school run then straight back out again doing my fast walking with jogging bursts, 28 mins, I worked up a little sweat and it felt good. As I got home a bit earlier than intended I then ran up and down the stairs a few times, definitely felt that! It was a good start.
I need to get into town and buy some proper running trainers and once I am well equipped I will definitely increase the running and see where it takes me!
My whole life I have been one of those girls who'd avoid PE, and always said "I don't do running", but that is going to change. I just hope my knees can take it!
I shall update my blog with details of my progress, so you my lovely readers can give me grief if I appear to be slacking. Over and out for now. x
Cath...try an exercise bike...great for winter training...easy to pick them up in the friday add...dont overdo the running if you have never run before or youll get shin splints etc... Good luck xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon, that's really helpful, I might just do that. See how I go with the real bike first tho. Thanks for reading and commenting. x
ReplyDeleteGood for you - yes I think 5 x a week is achievable with your two at school now. I would also get the biggest loser workout on x box kinnect its a proper hard core work out or your shape is great fun and has this hard core boot camp workout. Also get yourselves some wrist weights for the wii dance as you need to sweat more. I shall be doing it with you as i've lost my mojo with allt he pta stuff etc. I worked out to the biggest loser - maybe we can report back each day xx
ReplyDeleteHi Tasha, love the boot camp idea but would rather be outside doing it. Mind you it was tough getting out on my bike this morning in the cold. I need toughening up! But I'll get used to it. Yes we can report back, it's so important for us both to get in good shape - 40 is looming! ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteha ha yes don't remind me! x
DeleteAnother vote for the exercise bike... There's something so rebellious about pedalling away in front of a film or something! Good luck! :D
ReplyDeleteLol! Yes that does sound good, however my hubbie has bought a special device that you can put your own bike onto and the wheels go round, you can pedal just as you would out on the road, except it's in the garage!! Good for winter days when too freezing to get out. So I obviously need a TV in the garage now! Will have to make do with the iPod for now. :)
DeleteHi Cath, Still thinking of you and popping by your blog every now and then.....love the way you write. I read an article in the british wheel of yoga magazine recently and thought of you as I read this entry. I have managed to find it on the internet - have a read.... it's quite interesting. Keep shining! Love and light x http://flashbooks.hattrickmedia.co.uk/bwy/spectrum_winter12/index.html
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for stopping by. I do love my Yoga!! I couldnt get your link to work tho :(. I'll have a look around on the web to try and find it. X
DeleteThats why I thought it may be of use - like you I need to enjoy exercise, or I won't do it! This article talks about yoga, weight lose and peak cardio exercise to work you, your heart without depleting yourself....and making it a whole uncomfortable process! It can be found by searching on 'British Wheel of Yoga Spectrum Magazine', look for the winter 2012 edition and it's page 22.
DeleteHi there, I've had a look on tinternet and I have to sign up as a member of BWY to see the magazine. I'll ask my yoga teacher if she has one though. Many thanks. x
DeleteWhoops...didn't take you to the page - it's on page 22 x
ReplyDelete